Real Madrid loses CAS appeal over Guardiola chants

A €30,000 fine and a suspended partial closure of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium for two years have been upheld against Real Madrid. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the club's appeal against sanctions imposed by UEFA, ruling that chants by Real Madrid supporters crossed "the limits of acceptable mockery in a sporting environment" and carried a "serious discriminatory character."

The incident dates back to a February 2024 match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. Some fans directed abusive language at City manager Pep Guardiola. An expert report submitted to the court detailed that the chants included insinuations about Guardiola's personal appearance, alleged drug use, offensive references linking him to a Madrid neighborhood known for its acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and inappropriate allusions to him having HIV/AIDS.

Lawyers for the Spanish club argued the statements fell under "joking or exaggeration directed at public figures." A three-judge panel rejected this defense, stating such chants violate the principles of dignity and equality protected by sports and ethical law.

With this final ruling, the case is closed for Real Madrid. The suspended sanctions remain in effect for the next two seasons should any similar violations occur.